16 Coolest Waterfalls Near Denver
Ever wonder why you feel happy seeing waterfalls? Here I have a list of the best waterfalls near Denver to give you more of that waterfall magic.
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There actually is a science behind it, though. While waterfalls can be relaxing, they are also very invigorating and energizing. This is because when the water splashes down below, negative ions are sent into the air. As they float over to you and get in your blood, they increase serotonin.
It’s no wonder our family is a bit of waterfall-chasers. Wherever we go hiking, our priority is to pick a trail with a waterfall. I always knew they made me happy!
If you live or will be in Colorado, you can use this list of waterfalls close to Denver to mix in some waterfall magic to your trip. Each waterfall is less than 2 hours away (with the exception of the last bonus waterfall).
We have been to most of these waterfalls, and the rest I’ve been researching a while and have added to my list to visit in upcoming outings.
Go get your serotonin levels pumped up with these great waterfalls near Denver for your next adventure!
Table of Contents
Note: Distances for hiking/biking are ONE-WAY
1. Stratonia Falls up Waterton Canyon
Littleton, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 22 miles
Time from Denver:
Hike/bike 6.2 miles one-way
Stratonia Falls is located within the popular Waterton Canyon in Littleton, CO. You can access the canyon off C-470 and exiting on S Wadsworth and onto Waterton Canyon Rd.
Waterton Canyon is a great area for families to go hiking along the South Platte River. The trail is flat and easy for families, though to get to the falls you’ll have to go a ways in. If you’ve got kids with you, load up the bikes to make the trip easier, as biking is allowed and frequent on this trail.
The trail is more like a closed off dirt road, making it nice and wide for many people to enjoy.
Note that the waterfall at the end is actually created from a tall, concrete dam. So this may not be the natural scenery you are looking for. It could be a fun view at the end of a scenic journey though.
2. Bridal Veil Falls
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 32 miles
Time from Denver: around 30 minutes
Hike/Bike: around 1/4 mile
If you’ve driven I-70 from Denver into the mountains, chances are you’ve already seen this waterfall. Bridal Veil Falls is located right off of I-70, but there is a beautiful, safe way to see it up close.
Note: Not to be confused with Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, which is the tallest waterfall in Colorado.
Once you find somewhere to park in town, head toward 17th and Miner street near city hall. You’ll see a park with an old locomotive (also a cool stop in town) and a paved rec path that heads toward the highway.
Walk along this path and cross under the highway. You’ll end up walking toward the Charlie Tayler Water Wheel and Bridal Veil Falls. The two placed next to each other make a beautiful photo op.
This waterfall near Denver is a very easy one for kids to access. The area in front of the waterfall is like a big plaza area, giving them plenty of space to run.
3. Maxwell Falls
Evergreen, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 33 miles
Time from Denver: 46 minutes
Hike: .5 to 2 miles
Maxwell Falls is becoming a popular waterfall hike near Denver, and luckily it’s a great one for families. That’s because you can pick the hike of your choosing according to the distance and difficulty you are looking for.
The falls aren’t giant, but they’re not a ripple in the creek either. It’s a beautiful destination to your next family hike. Tip: as with most waterfalls, Maxwell Falls is fuller in later spring / early summer. By late summer and into fall the water levels drop, leaving more of a heavy trickle.
To see Maxwell Falls from the top, park at the upper parking lot and take the Upper Falls trail. This is only around a half-mile to get a view from the top!
You can also do a longer trail of near 4 miles round-trip that brings you to the lower falls. Park at the lower parking lot and follow the Lower Falls Trail.
And then, just for Goldilocks, there is one in between. Another option is to park at the upper lot and take the Cliff Trail Loop to the falls. This loop is right around 3 miles.
At less than an hour from Denver, this waterfall hike is the perfect option for families of young ones to do the short walk from the upper lot, or for families with older kids who want a longer hike outside.
4. Eldorado Falls
Boulder, Colorado (at Walker Ranch)
Distance from Denver: 32 miles
Time from Denver: 57 minutes
Hike: 1.7 miles
Though it holds the same name as nearby Eldorado Canyon next door, Eldorado Falls (or Eldorado cascades, as it’s also called) is actually located at Walker Ranch in Boulder.
There are many trails within Walker Ranch, but the one that will get you to the falls in the shortest hike begins at the Ethel Harrold trailhead. The round trip journey (out and back) on this trail is just over 3 miles at an easy to moderate difficulty, making it a great one for families.
After you cross the foot-bridge, you’ll be to the falls!
5. Boulder Falls
Boulder, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 38 miles
Time from Denver: 50 minutes
Hike: About 1/4 mile
If you’re heading to Boulder, make sure to drive a little ways up Boulder Canyon Dr to access this awesome waterfall.
Up Boulder Canyon, you’ll see parking on the side of the road. The trail will be on the right side (as you go up the canyon).
Then you’ll only have about 1/4 mile until you come to these beautiful falls. You’ll have 53 steps to get to the viewing area, then you can walk around and go down by the stream onto large boulders if you’d like.
6. Cherry Creek Falls
Castlewood Canyon State Park, Franktown, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 37 miles
Time from Denver: 50 minutes
Hike: ~ 1/2 mile though can be less/more depending on where you park
Cherry Creek Falls (sometimes also called Castlewood Canyon Falls) is located in a state park that’s a bit off the radar for many people.
Castlewood Canyon State Park is located in one of the suburban areas of Denver off highway 83. To access this waterfall, though, you’ll want to go to the entrance off highway 86.
After just a short hike in from the parking area, you’ll be surprised to find not only an incredible canyon area, but a waterfall.
The first time I went here, all I could think was “how is this here? I’ve just gone to another world!”
That’s because you’re in the middle of a suburban area one minute and the next you feel like you’ve gone to the mountains with pines, rock, canyon, petrified wood pieces, and a waterfall.
To find the falls, you’ll take highway 86 to Castlewood Canyon Road. Drive in and park in one of the dirt lots on the left (there are 3 near this trailhead). Either lot you park in, you’ll hop on the trail in front of the lot and head to the right.
As you go deeper into the hike, stay right and you’ll eventually be gifted a view of the falls, with the best water in late spring/early summer.
It’s short and easy, making this a great waterfall hike for kids near Denver!
7. Elk Falls
Staunton State Park
Distance from Denver: 40 miles
Time from Denver: 1 hour
Hike: 11 miles
This waterfall is close to Denver, but not a family-friendly one. It’s a good one though, so I wanted to include it for those that have older kids ready for a hike.
To get to Elk Falls, you’ll have to be ready for an 11-mile hike rated moderately difficulty. The payoff is worth it if you’re able.
Elk Falls is the tallest waterfall you’ll see near Denver, so it’s worth catching a view. As the hike is longer, make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and good hiking shoes.
You can find Elk Falls in Staunton State Park down 285. (<– that link will give you some kid-friendly trails in the park).
8. Berthoud Falls
Berthoud Falls, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 49 miles
Time from Denver: 58 minutes
Hike: Minimal
Berthoud Falls is really Berthoud Cascades. But don’t let that deter you as this one is easy for the whole family thanks to its location right off highway 40.
If you’re heading up the mountains to Winter Park or the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, let the kids get out at stretch at Berthoud Cascades.
As you head up highway 40, you’ll take the first longer switchback. As you come to the second one (much shorter), you’ll see a pullout area right on the curve. While not technically a parking lot, many people will pull over here and take the very short trail to the stone bridge.
Here you can witness the long cascades that flow down the mountain.
9. Rainbow Falls
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 76 miles
Time from Denver: 1 hour 26 minutes
Hike: .15 mile
Rainbow Falls is located in Manitou Springs, the neighboring town to Colorado Springs. The great thing about Rainbow Falls is it’s a pretty incredible waterfall for only having to do an easy less-than-1/4-mile hike. And it’s all along a gentle gravel trail.
The parking is currently closed as they fix a rock situation, but visitors can park at Adventures Out West and shuttle to the falls for $20 per car.
The park is open from mid-June to mid-September Friday-Sunday, 9:00am-4:00pm during summer only. Rainbow Falls is seasonal and therefore closed in winter. The park itself has free entry.
Register for parking before you head out!
10. Helen Hunt Falls (and Silver Cascade)
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 77 miles
Time from Denver:1 hour 30 minutes
Hike: Not required
Helen Hunt falls is a great waterfall for those with limited mobility. That’s because you can see the falls right from the parking area!
You’ll need to go into North Cheyenne Cañon Park in Colorado Springs (free entrance). As you drive up North Cheyenne Canyon Rd from the entrance, you’ll find the falls about 3 miles up the road.
You’ll find a small parking lot right along the road as well as the Helen Hunt visitor center. Here you can learn all about the area and Cheyenne Canyon, and all about Helen Hunt’s contribution to the area (notice, it is not the Mad About You or Twister Helen Hunt!)
These falls are impressive for not needing a hike. But if you’d like to move a little, you can take the short walk up the stairs to go on top of the falls.
As a bonus, you can keep hiking beyond and find Silver Cascade Falls. This part is a bit steeper in parts, but short. The kids enjoyed the signs along the way encouraging them to smell the trees 🙂
11. Seven Falls
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 75 miles
Time from Denver: 1 hour 18 minutes
Hike: .8 mile
Seven Falls is called the most beautiful mile of scenery, gracing its visitors with 7 waterfalls tumbling down between canyon walls.
While there are many free things to do in Colorado Springs, this is not one of them.
Owned by the Broadmoor Hotel, you’ll need to purchase tickets ahead of time (recommended) or at the booth on site.
Visitors have to park at the Norris Penrose Event Center and then take the shuttle (included in ticket price) over to the falls.
Once you arrive, take an easy walk of .8 miles to see the falls.
You can enjoy the cascading falls here at the base, or you can continue up 224 stairs on the falls staircase to walk alongside the falls. Once you’ve reached the top of that, you can also continue on 185 more stairs to the Eagle’s Nest platform.
12. Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 78 miles
Time from Denver: 2 hours
Hike: Varies
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to see waterfalls near Denver. While the drive is a little longer to get there, you’ll find plenty of options for falls!
The most kid-friendly hike to a waterfall in Rocky Mountain is the Alluvial Fan (pictured). This is not only an easy walk, but a fun area to play in (with caution, of course). The Alluvian Fan is beautiful and runs into a stream filled with large boulders.
Other great and popular waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park include Glacier Gorge trail waterfalls:
- Alberta falls (less that 1 mile to get to)
- Glacier Falls and Ribbon Falls (farther in about 3 miles)
Popular Wild Basin Waterfalls:
- Copeland Falls
- Ouzel Falls
Plus Chasm Falls along Old Fall River Road.
There are actually 30+ waterfalls in the park!
13. Tarryall Waterfall
Lake George, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 84 miles
Time from Denver: 1 hour 47 minutes
Hike: .25 mile
While Tarryall Waterfall’s address is in Lake George, it’s actually located between 285 and highway 24 near Tarryall Reservoir. The quickest access to get to this waterfall from Denver is to take highway 285 to Jefferson (past Bailey and Grant but not all the way to Fairplay)and head south on Tarryall Road.
About 17 miles down Tarryall Road (CR-77) you’ll find a parking pull-out on the southern end of the reservoir.
From the parking lot, hop on the trail that leads toward the reservoir. After crossing the water, you’ll turn left and head to the falls.
The unique thing about Tarryall is that you aren’t deep in the green, wooded forest. Instead, this waterfall is among mostly open space with some smaller foliage around the rock landscape.
14. Hidden Falls
Curt Gowdy State Park, Wyoming
Distance from Denver: 123 miles
Time from Denver: 1 hour 53 minutes
Hike: 1.9 miles
Hidden Falls is a beautiful waterfall nestled between rock canyon walls, reminding me a bit of the Box Canyon falls over in Ouray. Perhaps it also combines a bit of the narrows in Zion, but not nearly as long or intense as you walk through water in the final part of the trail.
While located in Wyoming, they still qualify as one of the waterfalls near Denver since you can get to them in just under 2 hours.
When you arrive at Curt Gowdy State Park, head to the southwest side of the lake. This is where you’ll find Crow Creek Trailhead. You’ll walk along the lake for a short time and continue over a few bridges in the course of your hike.
Eventually the trail ends, you’ll hop into Crow Creek and take a short walk in the water the rest of the way.
The water isn’t deep, but of course always use caution and your best judgement, especially when taking the kids.
15. Monte Cristo Waterfall
Breckenridge, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 89 miles
Time from Denver: 1 hour 50 minutes
Hike: About .5 mile
The Monte Cristo Waterfall isn’t tall and gushing, but it’s one of my favorite waterfalls in Colorado because of its unique way of dropping gently over the large rock area.
Located on the lower of Blue Lakes in Breckenridge, it’s very easy to hike over to the waterfall. Simply park and head to the trail on the left side of the lake. As you get to the other side of the lake, you’ll be able to get right up to this waterfall in Breckenridge.
The waterfall is really the icing on the cake as the entire lake area is just stunning. And it’s super short and easy to hike, making it great for families.
16. Adam’s Falls (BONUS- just over 2 hours away)
Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 104 miles
Time from Denver: 2 hours 20 minutes
Hike: .4 mile
Adam’s Falls is another great waterfall and it’s great for families. At under a half-mile to get to, this hike is beautiful with a stunning viewing area right in front of the falls.
While it’s located in Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s located at the WEST side of the park, so it got its own little spot on the list. Plus, you do not go through the entrance to the park. The falls parking lot is located to the opposite site of the lake Grand Lake.
Please note: I’ve seen lots of people say and post in groups “you don’t go through the park entrance, so you don’t need a pass!”
While many people go by this sentiment, it is technically NOT TRUE. There are signs requiring you to display your RMNP pass as you park and hike to the falls. To keep from any surprises, please make sure you have your pass.
We saw Adam’s Falls in the fall, and it was especially beautiful. It’s one of the places in the park that has been the most colorful!
Waterfalls Near Denver Wrap Up
As you can see, there are plenty of waterfalls near Denver that don’t require a weekend trip to visit. You can get to so many awesome falls in under 2 hours!
We still have a few more to see, but of the ones we’ve been to we weren’t disappointed. How can you be when waterfalls have been scientifically proven to make you happier?
Did you spot some falls you’d like to put on your list? Have you been to any of these? Come share your faves in the Colorado Family Travel Facebook group!
